Because this is a fundraising event for Big Bend Cares, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of all donated art go to Big Bend Cares. Most artists donate their artwork because it makes them feel good to give back to the community and it brings added exposure to their work.
Artopia 2026 Was a Success!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our artists, sponsors, attendees, volunteers, and community supporters, Artopia 2026 was truly an unforgettable celebration of art, creativity, and community.
Every ticket purchased, bid placed, sponsorship given, and moment of support helped make the evening a success while supporting the important work of Big Bend Cares.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring Artopia 2026 to life and made this year’s event one to remember.
And we’re already looking ahead! Artopia returns in 2027, and we can’t wait to show you what we have planned for next year. Stay tuned for more as we get ready to make Artopia 2027 another unforgettable experience!
Artopia is made possible because of the generous donations from artists and community members like YOU. All proceeds from the event stay in the Big Bend and provide food, transportation, housing, and health care to those in need – at no cost to them!
Want to Donate Art?
Ready to Submit Artwork for Artopia 2027?
We’re already looking ahead to Artopia 2027, and we can’t wait to see what our incredible creative community brings to next year’s event!
Big Bend Cares accepts artwork year-round, so there’s no need to wait to become part of the next Artopia. Artists, collectors, and community members are invited to donate artwork for consideration, with accepted pieces helping make Artopia possible while supporting the mission of Big Bend Cares.
We welcome artwork in a variety of mediums, including paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, sculpture, metalwork, mixed media, and more.
Donated artwork may also provide a tax benefit. Donors who include the retail value of their artwork on the submission form will receive a Receipt of Charitable Donation following the event.
Ready to be part of Artopia 2027? Click the “Submit Artwork” button to get started!
Artwork can be dropped off at our office at 2201 S. Monroe St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If your piece is too large to transport or you need assistance getting it to us, please contact us to discuss transportation arrangements.
Your art could be part of Artopia 2027. We can’t wait to see what you create!
See the fun and fierce competition of the Artopia 2025 auction, captured by our talented photographers Winnie Miles and Bob O’Lary! Be sure to check out our Facebook album for all the photos from that evening.
Check out the pieces that were selected for the Live Auction, including our Artopia 2025 Best In Show winners, “Line Intention 2025” by Julian Kerr (1st Place), Untitled by Seana Leah (2nd Place), and “Estuary Tranquility” by Michael Cook (3rd Place).
2025 Original Artwork Submissions
By becoming a partner of Artopia, you can make a significant contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS and play a central role in the success of one of the most anticipated and respected art events in Tallahassee. To see our current Sponsorship options, click the “Sponsor Packet” button below, and if you would like to become a sponsor you can download the fillable PDF and send to Lauren Gallo at lgallo@bigbendcares.org.
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Interested in Volunteering at Artopia 2027?
Artopia wouldn’t be possible without the incredible volunteers who help bring this one-of-a-kind event to life each year!
Planning for Artopia 2027 is on the horizon, and we can’t wait to welcome another amazing team of volunteers to help us create an unforgettable experience for our community.
Volunteer opportunities for Artopia 2027 are coming soon! In the meantime, if you’d like to stay connected and learn about other ways to get involved with Big Bend Cares throughout the year, visit our Volunteer page for more information.
Have questions about volunteering with Artopia? Contact us at development@bigbendcares.org.
Stay tuned. We can’t wait to have you join us for Artopia 2027!
2026 Sponsors
Rembrandt Sponsor
Kahlo Sponsors
Picasso Sponsors
O'keefe Sponsors
Van Gogh Sponsors
Cassatt Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Bend Cares accepts all forms of artwork and media. Past Artopia events have featured oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, pottery, photography, sculpture, glasswork, pen and ink, jewelry, woodwork, and mixed media – just to name a few!
We recommend sticking to a maximum of three (3) pieces per donor. If you have a significant number of pieces you would like to direct to us, please contact us directly to discuss, by emailing development@bigbendcares.org.
Yes! Artopia is a juried event, with cash prizes!
At Artopia, when you find your favorite art piece, you will write its number on a ballot provided to you in the event program, and place in the People’s Choice Award ballot box. The winner will be announced at the event and will win a custom trophy!
By providing the usual retail selling price (fair market value) of each piece, the buyer may claim the amount paid in excess of the fair market value as a tax deduction. If no value is assigned prior to bidding, the buyer will not know how much of their donation counts as a tax-deductible contribution.
Please see your tax advisor or visit irs.gov for details.
People tend to bid higher in the Live Auction when they know more about the artist and their work, and hear the story. We recommend having an artist biography prepared in the case that your piece(s) are selected for the Live Auction, as this is where the importance of knowing the artist will shine. Due to the high number of pieces included in the auction, we do not publish all artist biographies in our printed materials and auction platform, but you are welcome to include a business card when dropping off the artwork.
Collected art will remain in locked offices at Big Bend Cares.
Check back for updates about Artopia 2026 tickets, as sales are not yet live.